Share the gift of blood this Christmas

THE South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is encouraging people to give blood during the season of giving.

According to SANBS chief marketing officer Thapelo Mokoena, more than 1 300 children and adults were killed in the 1 118 accidents reported from last year’s festive season – a 0.6 per cent drop from 2013.

“While we are pleased that the number of fatalities from road accidents is dropping, the number of lives that are lost in a time when families should be celebrating life concerns us,” said Mokoena.

Mokoena said every day the blood service endeavoured to collect about 3 000 units of blood from temporary and fixed collection facilities in eight provinces to meet the need for the lifesaving resource. Often, accident victims are in need of just one unit of blood that could save their lives and SANBS encourages South Africans to join that network of life-givers.

“SANBS is honoured to be an integral part of a community of thousands of donors who sacrifice their time to give blood and afford a stranger a second chance to live to witness another Christmas. We encourage those who have not considered donations as a gift to take the first step and visit their nearest donor centre this festive season because they are angels that we cannot do without,” said Mokoena.

For any queries or concerns about donating blood, visit one of the donation centres or to call the toll-free helpline (0800 11 9031).